Wednesday 8th January 2025:
Today I had a very chilly walk alongside the canal in Birmingham city centre.
I had a nice walk, and there was plenty to see, albeit being very cold, and during the video I also describe my cruising plans for this year, which will start after I’ve returned to Gladys next month.
The weather has been very cold lately and some parts of the canal even had a thin layer of ice. That didn’t deter the fuel boat though – and you’ll see footage of that, with the additional bonus of hearing its fabulous old engine! The CRT volunteers were also out and about, collecting litter that had found its way onto the water.
West Midlands Railways provided my transport to Birmingham and were bang on time. Ozzy the Bull was at New Street Station as usual, but feeling under the weather, and waiting for the vet to call…
Hope you’ll enjoy the video!
Jeff
8 Comments
Thanks 😃
Morning Jeff, very icy towpaths you were filming along, this really is winter for a change.
There are so many people permanently living aboards, it's considerably cheaper than conventional living but a lot more thought needed to keep warm & comfortable with the necessities functioning. I think you're lucky to be able to (finally) have a narrowboat to use when the weather is better!
The reflections on the still water in your shots were perfect.
Just saw Gladys on the marina camera, very frosty, she stands out well amongst the muted colours & frosted surroundings.
Morning Jeff, another good vlog . Just wondering if Clive has got his boat Bonnie yet. I’m off to the Lake District at the end of February and will call in to aintree on the way back to see how they are getting on with my 40 footer. Think it’s in the fitting out shed now. It’s really nice in the centre of Birmingham I took my last boat up there about 10 years ago.
Certainly was bitterly cold, when I left work the day after you filmed this the throttle of my motorbike was frozen shut, and the seat needed a lot of deicing. Very thankful that the gritters had been out working hard. Definitely not Brompton weather. Great video as always 👍
Nice vlog Jeff enjoyed the short walk around Gas St, Went to check on our little boat yesterday stayed about 5 minutes it was certainly cold, Hope yo managed all your planned trips this year, Take care. 😊
Ah the game’s almost afoot, well 11 3/4”.
Thank you for the update.
At 3am this a peaceful and enjoyable video and interesting too. Doing a good job, Jeff, out in the freezing conditions. Nice pictures and filming.
Hi Jeff, great to see you on my local canal again, I think you've visited it more than me in the last 12 months. However, when the weather improves, I will be back cycling on it on a regular basis.
I can understand your frustration with the BBC. It must be annoying them always pouncing on you and trying to get you to join the team. To be honest Jeff, with you on board at the BBC the TV licence would probably become a worthy purchase but the reality is, is that they do not deserve a man of your calibre on their payroll, and they couldn't afford you anyway.
By the way, I spoke to the Directors and staff at WMT and did advise them that you were due to travel with us earlier this week and extra effort was put in to ensure a reliable service for you 😁
Great video as always Jeff and some nice photos too.
Take care Jeff and see you in your next upload and hopefully I'll get to meet you when you pass through later this year 👍